Family Ties Chapter Twenty-Four
-G-
AN – Ok, we're moving forward folks. Hope you like this one.
I do not own any characters or stories from the tv show Grimm. Some dialogue is lifted from various episodes in Season 3 and Season 4. No infringement or copyright is intended. It's all for fun, no profit being made here.
-G-
Adalind watches Diana sleep as she lays quietly in bed, not ready to get up yet but no longer able to sleep. Her daughter sighs, eyelids flickering and she wonders what she could be dreaming about. Nothing like her dreams of late, she hopes, which seem to be filled alternatively with visions of terror and then feelings of comfort, among other things. Not that Nick had been able to provide much reassurance last night, not with the confirmation of people looking for them and the news of Sean's mother.
She'd never met the older Hexenbiest, though she knew her mother had been acquainted with her for several years. Which made her wonder if she knew about Sean's sleeping habits. Either way, Elizabeth knew about them now and was interested in meeting them. Or rather, Diana. Would such a get-together be wise? Safe? She knew the history of Sean's lineage, and how he and his mother had been hunted by members of the royal family for quite a few years. So, if anyone could understand her predicament it could be Sean's mother. But she worried that the gathering alone would attract attention and so, without meaning to or not, get them discovered.
Feeling even more restless all of a sudden, she throws the covers off and pulls on a jumper before going downstairs to the kitchen. Coffee is her friend and it will surely help her think all this through. Even just going through the motions of making the hot beverage help her gain a sense of normalcy and routine, which helps to settle her frazzled nerves.
She has to see the positives here, even though a calling spell was cast it didn't work. Both she and Nick felt the use of magic, and so perhaps felt as the shielding charm worked and they remained protected. The Nuukh Suens was still active and doing its job, they were still protecting Diana. And they were able to talk about it, their dreams still effective in communication and keeping the link between them.
But there was still the fact that there was a time the spell was cast and they didn't know who had done it. How many times would the shielding work before the spell began to lose its effectiveness? Would they be able to sense that too or would it just fade and then strangers would be popping up on their doorstep, catching them unawares and giving them no time to escape?
There were too many what ifs in that situation, they were already doing everything they could to keep Diana safe and stay out of sight. Thinking that way would only drive her mad and really unsettle her already constantly frazzled nerves. She has to just focus on her daughter, doing what was best for her and keeping her safe.
"You're up early," Kelly states as she enters the kitchen and Adalind looks towards her before giving a nod in acknowledgement.
"Yeah, my dreams weren't filled with great news," she replies and Kelly drops into the chair besides her.
"Everything ok? How's Nicky?"
"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that. Nick's ok, he just had some news that's uh not exactly welcome." Kelly blows out a breath and nods at her words about Nick then zeroes back in on her at what she says next. "You might want to get your mug; this could take a little while." She says, waiting for Kelly to get her drink, before then launching into an explanation of all Nick had passed on, what had happened to Sean and Henrietta, then Elizabeth getting involved and finally what she knows about the whole situation in general.
"And I just don't know," she says, as she rounds it up all. "I don't know if we can trust her, trust either of them, or if we do but then it'll lead the royal family to us. I know they keep tabs on Sean, so just a slip from him and it could lead them straight to us. The Verrat have been to Portland before, they also know the ways Sean operates, so it wouldn't be hard for them to work around him."
"Just to help me get this straight, this Elizabeth, also a Hexenbiest like yourself, had an affair and slept with the king, which resulted in Sean Renard, a half royal, half Zauberbiest, who you then had a relationship with which produced Diana. But Sean and his mother were expelled from the family, and were targeted by those who thought they'd be better off dead and so has resulted in them being in an uneasy, quasi-relationship with other members of the royal family, who didn't take such a harsh stance. Am I right so far?" Kelly gestures and Adalind nods.
"Yes, it's commonly known it was the queen who had the biggest problem with Sean, him being the result of the king's affair. It's said the king doesn't mind Hexenbiest, or Wesen in general, but the consensus in the family is that the bloodline has be kept pure. Which is getting harder as it's one of the worst kept secrets that most of the males in the direct line are sterile." She explains. "Hence, all the attention and fixation on Diana. Not only is she the next generation, which they know about, but she's also female. When they know that, I really fear what they'll do to get her."
"Hey now, don't think like that," Kelly says as she leans forward to clasp her hand. "Let's focus on one thing at a time, hmm? Nicky has met this woman, Elizabeth? What does he think?"
"He didn't really say much on that, was more focused on telling me what happened and asking for my thoughts," she replies.
"Ok, well, it sounds like you have some to share," Kelly prompts and she sighs.
"I just don't know!" Adalind cries out and then lowers her voice, aware of Diana potentially hearing her and waking. "There's so much going around in my head and how I feel and I just want Diana to be safe. I want my daughter to be ok."
"I understand that … I've done a version of that. I gave up my life, walked away from my son and family to keep them safe." Kelly starts, voice low. "And it did that, but it wasn't without other consequences. Nicky, well, I'm not sure what he would say about it and whether he'd ever make that same choice, having experienced what it felt like from the other side." Adalind thinks of their conversations, what Nick had said in their dreams and knows he wouldn't do it that way, not if he had a choice.
"We can only make a choice with what we have at the time," she says quietly. "I never thought I'd feel this way but Diana is everything to me. So, if I have to keep running, keep hiding, I will."
"That's how you feel, what could this Sean feel? Or his mother? Both are family, so could they be wiling and able to do similar acts in regards to Diana?" Kelly questions and she runs a hand through her hair.
"I just don't know. We're talking about her father and grandmother," she says, really acknowledging the titles they hold for the first time. "I guess … oh, maybe, they deserve a chance to prove themselves, but it doesn't stop me from being terrified that they'll do something that we can't stop … and I'll lose her."
"I will be right there with you, making sure nothing like that happens," Kelly vows. "When I first met you, and found out about Diana, I was all about keeping you away from others that could influence you. I saw Diana's power and knew the potential she had, that she could change the world. I still believe that but after seeing you and Diana, together … I very much believe the best place for her is with you. You've proven yourself over and over what a wonderful mother you are and the bond between you and Diana is so strong. Keeping you both safe and together is my priority now." The Grimm's words send a rush of feeling through her and she finds herself having to blink back tears.
"Well, we can't have anything happening to Nana Kelly," she whispers back. "No matter if someone else is related in that way or holds a similar name, title, whatever; no one will come close to the relationship Diana has with her Nana Kelly." The older woman smiles at her, her face full of emotion and Adalind can't help but feel herself respond similarly. They wouldn't be here without this woman, that much she is sure of and to have been able to build such a relationship with her is another thing itself, almost a miracle really. Then they both hear little footsteps and they both turn to see Diana as she enters the room.
"Mama! Nana Kelly!" She gives them both a hug, Adalind squeezing her just a little tighter than normal, before she turns away, dragging her step stool to the counter to start on gathering what she wants for breakfast. Watching the items float around she can't help but marvel at her little girl's power and control. Kelly stands and stays next to her as the blonde begins to chatter about whatever is on her mind.
"So, what do you want to do?" She asks quietly to Adalind as they both watch Diana. She gets up to put her cup away, coming to stand on the other side of her daughter.
"I guess, give them a chance," she sighs, stroking Diana's hair. "But just one … and if they do anything we don't like-"
"Oh, they'll come to regret it." Kelly finishes for her and they both share a dark smile before turning back to Diana.
-G-
Nick drives towards Henrietta's house feeling a bit jittery. The Hexenbiest had called to say that Elizabeth wanted another meeting and could he come to her house at his earliest convenience, her words not his. He's still feeling unsure towards the older woman, being such an unknown and also having a link with his captain. He can't make up his mind whether that's a good thing or not, knowing that some of her previous actions might give her an understanding of their situation but also aware that her relationship with her son, and his desires in the matter, might override what Nick himself thinks is just common sense in regards to what's happening.
Leaving the house early had also caught Juliette's attention and they'd spent several minutes talking about what both of them had been up to in the week so far, with his heavily edited. She'd been excited about her weekend away and seeing her friend as well as another development in her life.
"Oh, I should also mention well, this might be awkward," she'd said, a slight blush on her cheeks. "But I erm, met someone and they might come to the house."
"Oh?" he'd asked.
"Yes, but not in a creepy way. We have new neighbours; you know how across the street is rented? Well, I met one of them the other morning. He has to be one of the tallest men I've ever seen, reminded me a bit of your captain. Anyway, he introduced himself, lovely accent as well, and we got talking. He's here on business and doesn't know the city well at all so I offered to give him some pointers and he asked if we could chat over coffee. We both weren't free at the same time so we're going to meet next week." She seemed excited with her news but guarded at the same time. "I hope it's ok, I told you, I didn't want you to be surprised with someone at the house if he just shows up, though I said I was away and that you would be home." She'd looked concerned then and he'd reassured her that it was fine, that he was glad she was meeting new people and wasn't being held back by him.
Watching her blush and talk about another man had been strange on one level, he didn't mind admitting that, but also on another it had been a relief. They'd gone through some strange times and he'd worried that her focus on normal, whatever normal was to her, would put her in a position where she'd be unable to move past certain events and meet someone new. That it was happening fairly quickly wasn't a problem at all, he couldn't fault that when he'd already begun to move on himself.
Which made him think of Adalind and what they were doing. Which, right now, wasn't much, other than interactions through dreams and a short weekend spent, while not fully together, in very close proximity to each other. He still thinks about that kiss, her in his lap and feeling her so close. Then the sensation from his dreams, where everything is more intense, just more in general, and his desires flare up. It's not been like this for him before and it makes him question it, even as he wants it.
Arriving at Henrietta's he takes a deep breath before exiting his car and heading inside, the door opening for him as he approaches. He takes that as a sign the Hexenbiest is feeling better and hopes she's not pushing herself too much, too quickly. Despite knowing each other for a relatively short time he's come to respect and admire the older woman, even care about her, and really doesn't want anything to happen to her.
She's sat with Elizabeth at her side in the sitting room and he greets them both before taking a seat himself. If he's sat slightly tense and at the edge of his seat for ease of movement, just in case, neither make any comment on it and he just stares, waiting for them to begin this conversation.
"I must apologise for my words and actions of our previous meeting," Elizabeth starts, voice low. "I allowed my emotions to overrule sense and use of civil manners. It has been an emotional time for me of late, with Sean back in hospital again and getting exhausted from casting the calling spell, which I should not have done."
"You were exhausted?" Henrietta asks, leaning forward towards her friend and Nick watches in interest as the blonde looks away briefly before meeting her gaze. "Why?"
"You may not have been aware but Sean was shot recently, with him being in critical condition. It was … he … the doctors could not help and he died and I could not stand aside and do nothing, so I, I cast Lebenskraft Schlange to save him." Henrietta gasps softly and Nick looks between the two Hexenbiests.
"What does that mean?" He asks quietly, aware this is a more serious conversation than what he was expecting.
"It is a gifting of life force, from one family member to another, normally only used as a last resort," Henrietta explains to him. "Oh, Elizabeth."
"I have no regrets but I am already facing the after effects. I do not believe I have long left, hence why casting that spell in haste brought out such reactions in me. I was upset, about Sean and my granddaughter, yes, but also about feeling so weak after doing what is really a simple spell." She clarifies and Nick sees Henrietta's face settle in sympathetic understanding as he himself feels a rush of empathy towards the Hexenbiest. No matter what he thinks of the captain, this woman loved her child enough to sacrifice her life for him. He can respect that.
"As such, I am aware of the limited time I have left so would like to again request, and it is a request, to have the opportunity to meet my granddaughter before I pass to the next plane."
"We can certainly pass that on to Adalind, as well as explain that timing will be important," Henrietta says.
"That is all I ask," Elizabeth responds. "Just to have the opportunity to meet her … I will respect any term you deem to be necessary for such a meeting."
"And what about Sean?"
"I have talked to him about the family and shared my views on their past actions and how it may influence what they choose to do now … I cannot say that he completely listened to me but he does want to know his daughter." She explains with delicate phrasing.
"That's a lot for us to take on just your word," Nick notes, still not feeling entirely trusting of the woman in front of him.
"Nicholas, a Lebenskraft Schlange cannot be faked, it is something I can sense, along with Elizabeth's diminished state. Time is truly against her now." Henrietta looks sad and pleading and he knows she is in alignment with the other Hexenbiest. He looks away from her and then back as Elizabeth stands.
"I am aware that what I ask makes you uncomfortable, and in the eyes of a grandmother I am glad my grandchild has people who care so much and will protect her. But I would still like to meet her. I shall give you some space and time to consider it all, my last request is just that you do not take too long, for I do not know what period of time I have left." She leaves then and Nick is left with Henrietta, who is sympathetic to her friends' circumstances and understanding of the situation she finds herself in.
"Explain it to me again," he instructs and listens as she goes through the spell Elizabeth performed, what it actually does and how it was basically exchanging her life force for that of her sons. That she was dying now as the magic exchange finalised the flow of life force, tethering him to this plane of existence as she was released. How that would mean this could be the only chance she had, and Diana for that matter, to meet each other as family members.
"I guess, I'll talk to Adalind about it," he sighs, not feeling entirely comfortable with the situation at all. He's feeling like they are being boxed in, made to do certain actions and all of it putting Diana and Adalind in a position of more danger, not less.
-G-
No dreams come that night, of either kind, and he wakes disappointed but somewhat grateful for the true rest. He's still off work, ordered to take time off until after the weekend and with Juliette gone, he knows what he's doing with his time. He goes into their room and just stares for a moment, memories running through his mind. This had been a happy place for a time. They had been happy. Until his world changed and now, well, his happy looks different from hers. Rocking into motion, he goes to the closet to grab a bag and starts truly packing his things. He'd taken some into the spare room with him, and had been able to grab anything he needed, but now it feels like he's truly moving on with the removal of each item and the space it leaves behind.
It doesn't take him that long to go through the bedroom, clothes and a few knick-knacks the only things he really wants to take with him. He finds the ring at the back of the sock drawer and can't believe he's forgotten it. It sits in its box, looking so innocent, and he grimaces. This did not have happy memories associated with it but imagine if Juliette had said yes? Where would they be now?
He shakes those thoughts away and heads back downstairs, filling another box with stuff from his home desk and then taking both out to his car. It doesn't look like a lot, nor does it take up too much space, and for that he's thankful, as he still has a list of other things he needs to pick up. Starting with heading over to a certain Eisbiber.
Arriving at Bud's he waves at the man as he deals with another customer, hanging back and trying not to appear too obvious as he waits to talk to him.
"Hey Nick, sorry about that, sometimes dealing with other Wesen gets a bit, uh, well you probably know, having to deal with the bad guys all the time, and I really don't have much to complain about, just … trying to push me around, nothing unusual about that, just wish it didn't happen, anyway, you don't need to hear about my problems and-"
"Bud," he interrupts gently. "If someone's giving you a hard time, that is something you can let me know about and I can help."
"Oh, that's kind, far too kind, I don't need anything to happen, they're just being pushy is all and I'm not encouraging any violence, oh no, not that, though it would be nice for someone to teach them a lesson, but no, that's not good thinking and-"
"I meant as a police officer," he corrects with a small grin and watches as Bud acknowledges his words.
"Of course you did! Gah, I'm so stupid, I'm sorry Nick, I didn't mean to imply, I mean, you're not that type of Grimm at all, and I was just-"
"It's ok Bud, but the offer stands. If you need help, I'm here." He says and the other man nods, opening his mouth to say more but Nick cuts him off. "So, could I pick up my stuff?"
"Of course, I have it out back. Kept it real quiet too, no one knows it's been purchased and no one's seen it." He leads him deeper into the storage space of the shop, then further around until they are in a far back corner and a pile of items and appliances are hidden under some tarpaulin. Pulling it off Bud quietly explains what's what, the best ways to get things built after transport and then stored safely, if needed. He knows he won't get everything done today but he'll feel better knowing he's at least started and has somewhere to go.
Bud offers him use of one of the trucks, a new model that he hasn't had time to put any logos on yet, just to help with the moving of everything, as a lot of the items would in no way fit in his land cruiser, even with the back seats laid flat. He's thankful for the offer and they work together to get the items shifted into the back of the truck, some still having to go in his own car to wait for him to pick up later as the Eisbiber had managed to pick up most of the items he'd asked him about. Which reminded him of another chat to have with the Wesen.
"If you can, I'd really appreciate it if you could have some conversations, let people in the community know that I'm no longer living at my old address," he says as they finished putting the last item in the back of the truck.
"Oh, sure, no problem" Bud agrees quickly. "Talking, that I can do. I'll make sure it does the rounds."
"Thanks Bud, I'll be back in a little while to bring back the truck and get my car."
"You can just post the keys through if you need, or if I'm not here," Bud offers and Nick quickly agrees before leaving and driving to the warehouse.
To think he owns the whole building is still a bit daunting, and would not have been possible without his mother and their pooling of funds available. Still, it gives them possibilities for the future and a safe house for right now.
The next few hours are spent moving and carrying and shifting and just sweating as he tries to set up as much as possible, while cleaning the space and getting organised. Setting up the security system takes him longer than he expected but by the time he's finished, he's got cameras set up, with the possibility of turning on motion sensors and an entrance that's key-code entry only.
The lift can also be controlled, and a small display of the views from all the camera angles sits next to it which can also be used to set any alarms, alongside the fobs he got for keychains. He's got it set to record, to be downloaded onto a storage device that he can change so anything recorded can be kept. Maybe that's a step too far, but after several of the incidents that happened at the last house, he likes the thought of being able to check who was here and when.
He works mainly in the first loft, that one being the more set up of the two anyway and probably where he's going to stay, once he's fully moved out. It may be all rather simple but he likes the feel of it and right now, the idea of having just space all to himself is very appealing. The lift is definitely a God-send though, as he makes multiple trips with the larger items and the flooring makes it easier to drag them into the right place before he starts to assemble them.
It's late by the time he's finished building, and then making up, the bed in the spare room as well as his own and he forces himself to go wash up before collapsing face first into clean sheets. With a groan he rolls, taking a deep breath and just laying there and listening to the sounds his new surroundings give him. There's the hum of the refrigerator, a slight whirr from the electrics and he thinks he can even hear water in the pipes. Nothing else and he strains for a moment, just to see if anything else occurs, before relaxing and he settles quickly into sleep.
-G-
"More," she moans and he rolls her, hands gliding up her arms to her wrists to hold her down, hold her in place. "Nick, more." He can't stop, doesn't want to stop and he feels that electricity, that spark that connects them, flare to life.
"I can take it," she promises, "let go." Something inside him glories in the idea, the potential to just let what's inside him go and have their bodies express it in every primitive way.
"I'm here," she breathes, "Let me see you, ah, all of you." She bucks up then and the beast inside roars as he pulls her closer and takes her mouth with a force he's never used before. She yields under him and the magic flares as they recognise the other half of each other.
"Mine," he almost growls and see her face light up, feels his body tighten as they press closer … before he blinks the vision away as he wakes.
Panting, even though he doesn't need to catch his breath, he just lies there for a moment, trying to settle his body even as his mind replays the images he's just seen. Where did they even come from? He's never been like that in bed before, though if he's being really honest, he has always liked to be the one in control. But never like these dreams, he's not once claimed someone or been like that … though he can't deny it sends a thrill through him to think like that. To have someone like that. To have Adalind like that …
His phone rings and he automatically reaches out his left hand before realising it's on the other side now so rolls and scoops it up.
"Burkhardt," he rasps and then clears his throat as subtly as he can.
"Hey Nick, I'm sorry to have to do this but can you come in today? We're had another case linked with Jack." That makes him sit up, all other thoughts driven from his mind.
"What?"
"Yeah, another prostitute found by the river, throat cut and wound in abdomen, just like before." He scrambles to get up, then move to get ready as he listens to Wu explain.
"But captain's still in hospital, there's no way he could have done this and Henrietta assured me that the possession had ended." He mutters, feeling thrown off by this new development.
"All I can tell you is that, from early indications, it looks like our serial killer hasn't gone anywhere. And the body is too fresh to be an older case we missed. We're getting a lot of enquiries so be careful as you drive up." Wu tells him the location and he replies with how long it'll take him to get there before hanging up.
This made no sense. He'd seen that mist, spirit thing come out of the captain, had almost killed him in the fight to release him, as Henrietta had helped him to understand what was even going on. He'd talked to the captain, in body, if not his spirit, when possesses and when not. Plus, he really did believe and trust Henrietta when she said it had finished. Maybe she had been wrong but his gut tells him something more is going on here. He calls her as he drives, double checking the information and she shares all that she knows of spirit possession and the markers that it had ended. He meets Hank and Wu, along with Hayes and Miliner, at the site of the body discovery and they all look bleak.
"Same manner of death, similar location chosen for the body dump, I think we're looking at another case to add to 'Jack's' list," Hayes says, referring to the name, as a lot of the officers have, because of the comparable M. O's.
"Anything different?" Nick asks.
"Pre-liminary inspection no, but the M.E. might be able to tell us more once the body is examined," Hank supplies and Hayes and Millner leave to check on that. Nick shares a look with Hank and Wu and they subtly walk a short distance away from everyone.
"There's no way this is the same as before," Nick states and the other two nod.
"I rang and checked after talking to you," Wu says. "Captain is still in hospital. If he did manage to leave and do this and get back, well he'd have to have some kind of superpowers because otherwise that would have been noticed. Especially, as we still have security on his door."
"What did you say happened again?" Hank asks and he quickly gives them details of the fight, how captain, or rather the spirit, acted, and his confidence in Henrietta's assessment that it was over.
"I talked to him, when possessed and when not. I watched that thing come out of him. I don't think the spirit possession is behind this." He glances around as a sudden prickling sensation creeps up on him. There's the usual crowd of police officers. Those from the M.E. department and a few other officials in the mix, as well as members of the public interested in the crime scene and, of course, some media presence as the reporting of a potential Jack the Ripper copycat, here in Portland, does the rounds. But this sensation is something else, something more sinister. Someone out there is watching him, and it feels like a weight on his shoulder as he tunes into the feeling more.
Scanning the crowd, he picks up on two individuals, both male who, for whatever reason, stand out, even as they seem to blend in with the rest of the mass of people. Both are in dark clothes, standing apart and watching the activity before them. But as he observes them, he sees and feels both gazes frequently return to him.
"Nick?" Hank asks and he turns back to his partner even as he tries to keep a lock on the men behind him. He thinks he might even recognise one, the bearded man he ran into at the hospital after seeing the captain. That is not a comforting thought.
"I think we're being watched," he mutters and though both Hank and Wu look shocked neither give any bigger reaction than that. Hank keeps his eyes on him while Wu glances to the side, ostensibly looking to their fellow officers but really scanning the crowd as he does.
"Back left?" He asks and Nick nods. "Do you recognise them?"
"No, I might have seen one of them before but without a closer look I can't tell for sure. Right now, I just have this feeling and I'm sure it's connected." Both men nod, accepting his words and continue to act normally.
"Channel 8 has been here since just after we set up and they've been doing sweeping camera shots," Hank says. "We might be able to get some images from that, have a look at the crowd from that angle and possibly get some images to use for I.D."
"I'll go enquire," Wu says and quickly moves off. Nick turns to watch him go, sweeping his eyes over the crowd again and noticing one of the men has vanished.
"I thought this was done," he says to Hank. "What with captain in hospital and an explanation for the same killings being seen again. But now I think someone else has taken over, and they're just getting started."
-G-
He speaks to Henrietta again as he drives away from the scene and though she is aghast that another murder happened she is also adamant it couldn't have been Sean. That the spirit had moved on and so the captain was once again in full control of his abilities. A ring through to the hospital also confirms that the captain has not been released, and is actually expected to stay a few more days due to some additional blood tests being run.
Pulling up in front of the Spice shop Nick quickly parks before heading inside, observing his surroundings and pleased to note that the heavy sensation, that feeling of being watched is gone now.
Rosalee greets him happily, calling Monroe up from the basement, and they move to the side room to talk, somewhat privately, while she keeps an eye on the shop. It looks like they've been during a restock, with boxes open on the table top and labels ready to be fixed onto the jars.
"Another one?" Monroe asks as he fills them in on his morning. "Was she Wesen too?"
"We can't tell at this point, though if I ever discover a way to do that, post-mortem, it would be pretty handy, I tell you." He stops at that thought. "I mean, the M.E.'s run all sorts of tests and as far as I'm aware nothing has ever shown up in them that indicated a difference, like an individual being Wesen."
"There are certain markers in the bloodstream but unless you're looking for that specifically than an ordinary blood test wouldn't show up anything abnormal," Rosalee comments. "Otherwise, Wesen would have been outed to the public years ago."
"Yeah, and the world would be a very different place," Monroe says gravely. "Anyway, did you need anything from us?"
"I wanted to ask if you had any knowledge on spirit possession," Nick replies. "I mean, Henrietta is pretty sure that it's finished so captain is himself again, but with another murder so soon and in such similar detail to the others, I wanted to check with another source, just in case."
"This is much more familiar territory for a Hexenbiest, they tend to understand much more about magic and spirits, being so closely connected with their powers. But I have some books that might help, they're downstairs." Rosalee points to the stairs tucked in the corner then, after glancing around at the otherwise empty shop, leads the way down.
The basement is packed with different boxes and full shelves, but is clean and organised. A large table sits in the middle and Nick remembers the space from when he had his dealings with Freddy and the selling of human organs. It looks very different now than it did then, much more well-ordered and seems to smell better too. She indicates for them to follow her to the far corner where books line the shelves.
"There might be something in here, but I don't know for sure," she offers and Nick is grateful to his friend for even trying. They all hear the chime of the door upstairs and Rosalee goes to deal with her customer, leaving him and Monroe downstairs. Their being alone gives him a chance to do something about his earlier thoughts and he inhales slightly to prepare himself. He stops the Blutbad from following, shifting uncomfortably but wanting to take this moment of privacy, such as it was, to ask some questions.
"I'd like to ask something but if it's too private, or weird, to talk about with me I'll understand," he starts and sees Monroe's eyebrow rise. "It's about, uh, Wesen relationships and what they're like."
"Well, I don't think it's all that different from other relationships," Monroe replies, looking confused.
"Yeah, but you are all, uh, you have more sides than say, ordinary, or rather more than what Kehresite have." Nick says and sees a look of understanding settle over his friend's face.
"Ah, you're talking about the more animal side," Monroe states and Nick nods. "Well, yeah, I mean, we have I suppose dual natures and so that can affect relationships. Some animals are monogamous while others are more, free-going shall we say? But I still think it's not that much different than from what Kehresite can experience." Nick sighs and runs a hand through his hair. This was not going how he wanted it to so he's going to have to be more blunt with his meaning.
"What about … sexual relationships? Can it affect that?" He sees Monroe's eye widen before the other man looked away.
"Ah, erm yes, I guess, why do you want to know?" He looks as uncomfortable as Nick feels now but he really needs to know, he keeps having these dreams and the feelings from them aren't going away, and he doesn't have many other people he can ask about this.
"Just need to …" he replies uncertainly. "So, your … animal side can have an influence and maybe … give you certain urges and … ah, actions you want to take? In erm, particular moments … With your partner?" He stumbles through the question and would laugh at himself if he wasn't feeling so unsure.
"Ok, we're talking about sex," Monroe suddenly states and Nick looks up. "Yes, we have dual natures and so yes, that can have an impact on all parts of ourselves, including relationships and the act of sex. We have two-fold of feelings and instincts inside us so yeah, things can be different for us, and can appear at certain times. Being together while Woged? Man …" Monroe trails off with a look on his face that Nick does not need any further explanation for before he shakes his head and continues. "Sometimes we need to let that side come out and be dominant for a while, which can produce certain feelings and actions, sure. If you're in a relationship that's loving and committed, makes it better in my opinion." He shrugs then and looks slightly more relaxed, even if he's still eyeing Nick curiously.
"So, certain urges, say the animalistic or erm, more dominant kind, are pretty normal for Wesen?"
"We all have an animal as part of us, some that are pretty beastly, so yeah, for Wesen being a bit more, animalistic is normal. It's who we are." Monroe gives him a look. "Now you're a Grimm, which is its own category completely. No one really knows much about you guys, other than the killing machines and fear for your life bits. But you do see the darker side of those around you, so you might need that kind of, shall we say, more primitive release as well." Nick nods and looks up as he hears Rosalee ring up her customer.
"Thanks," he murmurs, looking at his friend but not quite meeting his eye.
"Anytime," Monroe replies before pulling a face. "Wait, no, not anytime per say, just-"
"I know, Monroe," Nick interrupts, knowing he's made his friend uncomfortable but he's answered him anyway. "Thank you, really."
"Guess there's not many people you can ask these questions to, huh?" The brunette asks as they start to pull books down from the shelves.
"Yeah, it's not like there's a Grimm hotline I can just ring up and ask. I only know two other Grimms and I'm not asking either of them about any urges I may be getting or that they've got." Monroe starts choking, seemingly on his own air supply, and Nick steps towards him in concern.
"Dude, your mom!" He gasps out and Nick shakes his head emphatically.
"No, don't go there," he warns. "That is not a conversation I ever want to have." But now it's in his head and he glares at his friend as he struggles to get his breathing back under control.
"Everything alright?" Rosalee asks as she joins them and Nick glowers at the Blutbad.
"I'll tell you later," Monroe appeases his wife and Nick sighs, though starting to think he might have been better off going to Rosalee in the first place. Then shakes off that thought and gets back to looking through her assortment of books for anything to do with spirits, possession and killings.
-G-
"Sean," the man greets as he slips into his hospital room, making no other noise as he moves inside.
"Meisner," he greets back, sitting up in the bed as the other man approaches him.
"How are you?"
"I've been better," he replies, tone dry. "I was hoping to have been released by now but am still waiting on some test results."
"It's been an eventful time for you recently," Meisner states and he chuckles darkly.
"I'll give you that. But I'm not completely incapacitated, I have been able to make some progress in our mutual interests. I'm guessing that's why you're visiting me?" The other man nods and steps closer.
"I've made some interesting discoveries and managed to get confirmation on some of our theories. But also, there are a significant number of Verrat in Portland; as well as the current leader, a man named Rispoli, and one of your cousins, Prince Kenneth. I believe they have eyes on you, as well as several other people in the city." He nods at that, having expected them to make that move.
"Do you know any of these people?" He queries, keen to know if the man has made any of his own connections.
"No, but I believe you do, as one of them works in your precinct." Meisner shoots him a look.
"Yes, I thought they'd be interested in Nick," he admits.
"The Grimm you know?"
"Yes, Detective Nick Burkhardt. We've been working together for the last few years and working on an understanding of what we can be and how we can help each other." He explains, only twisting the truth slightly. "And I recently found out he's had contact with Adalind and my daughter."
"Really? Adalind? Is she- How did he manage that?" The man's surprise is only shown through the thickening of his accent as he talks, otherwise his face stays carefully neutral.
"I'm not sure, but we'll be meeting again soon to discuss it and to arrange my daughter being returned to me." Again, perhaps a slight exaggeration but that's exactly what he intends to happen. "As such, it might be a good idea for you to keep tabs on his movements as well. When I have the opportunity, I will be retrieving my daughter, Adalind as well, and we will build a new Royal family, that will take us into the future." He talks quickly as he envisions the path forward.
"I will keep an eye on all parties involved," Meisner agrees. "But may I suggest you think all this through thoroughly? If you are not careful, your actions could have consequences that will affect us all." They share another look before the bearded man slips out of the room as silently as he entered it.
-G-
"Hey," he greets as the colours settle around them and the feel of magic grows steadily on his senses. "How are you?" Adalind steps right up to him and he enfolds her in his arms. The tingles from where they touch creating a pleasant sensation.
"All mixed up," she replies honestly. "And you?"
"Yeah, that about covers it," he agrees and they take a moment to just stand and hug. "I have more news," he says as they pull apart and her face falls.
"Good or bad?" she asks and he shrugs.
"Honestly, I'm not sure." He starts detailing the conversation with Elizabeth and Henrietta, watching as Adalind's face cycles through several different emotions as he talks and finally settling on worry.
"I've heard of that spell, most Hexenbiests have," she admits. "And if she really has done it, then everything Henrietta said is true. Her life will be slowly transferring over to Sean and she'll have a day of weakness before going to sleep and not waking again."
"That sounds …" he trails off and she shrugs.
"It's not the worst way to die, and you have the knowledge that you saved a loved one, a family member." She sighs heavily. "And as such, I can understand wanting things to happen before that time comes. This might be the only chance she gets to meet Diana and for Diana to know her. Can I really be that selfish to deny them that opportunity?"
"Of course you can, you're her mother and this is someone who we don't know, don't have a good deal of trust with," he replies.
"But should I be? Or should I give her a chance?" She sounds so confused and Nick can't help but step forward to offer physical comfort.
"We can control the meeting, keep everything close and guarded," he says. "Elizabeth has already said she'll respect and follow anything we put into place for this meeting. Maybe we give her a chance and then give captain one, do these meeting one at a time so we only have to worry about one unknown at a time."
"That sounds like a better plan," she admits. "But where? When?"
"We used Henrietta's house as the meeting point," he offers, sure the Hexenbiest wouldn't mind that. "It's protected from others being able to enter and we can stage it so we can get out quickly if needed. It's somewhat neutral ground for us all."
"We can't stay there though! Sean knows it, most Biesters know where she lives, even if they can't access it."
"I said the meeting could happen there, not that you'd stay there," he corrects softly and she frowns up at him.
"Then where would we stay?"
"With me," he says. "I've been working on a … safehouse of sorts, somewhere no one knows that I own or even live there. It's unconnected to me or anyone who knows me, and I've been setting it up for if multiple people need to stay there."
"Oh," she murmurs. "We'd be with you?"
"Yeah, if you're comfortable with that," he offers, suddenly unsure. She smiles softly at him, hand stroking across his chest in a gentle move and sending little sparks down into his stomach.
"Well, I think Diana would love that," she starts before her smile turns cheeky. "And I suppose I could suffer through it."
"Suffer? Really?"
"You forget I've already been living with one Grimm; I've seen how your minds work. You say safe place and what I think you might actually mean is fortress," she counters back and he thinks she might have a point, what with the new security system he's put in place as well as the re-enforced walls and shutters.
"Maybe," he admits and her lips twist into a full grin. "But it'll be different living with me." They both pause at that, awareness of the situation settling down on them.
"I think we'll be ok with that," she offers, suddenly shy now with this new recognition of what they will be doing, and he can't help but smile.
"Ok," he states, giving her a gentle squeeze. "We'll need to co-ordinate with my mom, make sure there's a safe way for you to get back here without anyone knowing."
"When will we do this?" She asks.
"Well, captain is still in the hospital and Elizabeth thinks she doesn't have much time left, so sooner rather than later. And I do like the thought of neither of them being at full strength when the meeting happens, just to give us something more over them."
"I like the sound of that too," she agrees.
"And it might be worth working with Diana, I know you've been teaching her about her powers and other awareness but maybe give her a, I guess a version of a safe word, something that tells her there is danger and she should do what she can to protect herself." He suggests and watches as Adalind considers it.
"That's a good idea," she murmurs. "And having safe words would be beneficial as well."
"Talk to my mom, get her to call me so we can discuss transport and then we can get sort out when these meetings will happen."
"So, we'll be seeing you, in person again? When?" She queries, eyes fixed on his and the space around them shifts, colours mixing and they both know their time is almost you tonight. She grips him a little tighter and he pulls her closer even as the sensation of each other starts to fade.
"Soon," he murmurs and it all whips together, colour and sensation, before fading to black.
-G-
AN – Let me know what you think! And thank you for reading!